Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems and more extensive damage. For minor decay and cavities, dental fillings are a highly effective and commonly used treatment. If you have a cavity, a dental filling can restore your tooth’s form and function, help prevent further decay and damage, and enhance the appearance of your smile.
Customized Dental Fillings
Tooth fillings have long been the go-to solution for treating mild to moderate cavities, which are holes that form in teeth due to decay. A filling works by restoring the lost tooth structure, reinforcing the tooth so it can withstand pressure from biting and chewing. At Austin General Dentistry, we offer a variety of tooth fillings to meet each patient’s unique needs, from strong metal amalgams to tooth-colored resins and porcelain. When placed early, a filling can halt the spread of decay, potentially saving you from needing more invasive treatments, like a root canal.
What Type of Filling Do You Need?
Metal Amalgam
Dental amalgam is a mixture of safe yet durable metals applied as a soft putty that quickly hardens after being shaped to fit the cavity. Due to its strength, metal amalgam is often recommended for molars, the teeth at the back of the mouth, which endure the most pressure from chewing.
Tooth-Colored Composite Resin
Tooth-colored composite resin is a blend of finely ground acrylic and quartz-like particles that can be tinted to match the natural color of your tooth. The resin bonds securely to your tooth, providing an effective seal against oral bacteria and reinfection. Its lifelike appearance makes it a popular choice for cosmetic procedures, such as tooth bonding.
Dental Porcelain or Ceramic
Like composite resin, dental porcelain is designed to closely resemble your natural tooth structure. However, porcelain is more stable and durable than resin, making it a better option for teeth located toward the back of the mouth, where more pressure is applied.
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